Cornerstone® Engineered Bridge System

The Cornerstone Engineered Bridge System

With a growing selection of prototype bridge styles and accessories, the Cornerstone Engineered Bridge System makes it easy to plan and build an authentic HO Scale bridge from start to finish.
On this page, you’ll find links to the current selection of kits and accessories – check back for more new items coming soon.

Through Bridges

One of the most widely used of all railroad bridge designs, the tracks pass through the support structure rather than above it. This provides maximum clearance below the bridge, so you’ll usually find them over navigable waterways, other rail lines and highways. Like the prototypes, our models come in a variety of common sizes, lengths and styles, perfect for detailing a scene by themselves, or as approach spans for other Cornerstone bridges.

Deck Bridges

Railroads are always concerned about clearance along the right-of-way, and many adopted deck bridges as a standard early on. Because all of the support structure is below the tracks, they provide unlimited room alongside and above for passing trains. Accountants also like these simpler designs – they require less material and can be built faster! Perfect for steam- and diesel-era layouts, choose from a wide range of lengths and styles to fit your railroad.

Urban Bridges

From the beginning, railways and roadways shared common ground as city fathers wanted the tracks in the heart of established business and industrial areas. But as traffic increased so did problems, and by the early 20th century, overpasses were common. Fancier styles of poured concrete were found in residential areas, while functional steel types served industrial districts. In cities that wanted to eliminate grade crossings entirely, tracks were often rebuilt on elevated right-of-ways, supported by long stretches of concrete retaining walls. Railroad stations that had formerly been at street level were also rebuilt above, with stairways leading to and from the sidewalks below too. Typical of designs that have served for decades and are still common today, this series makes it easy to model these essential urban details!

Piers, Abutments, Supports and Accessories

Unlike most buildings that can rest on a foundation, bridges require very specialized support structures that include abutments at each end, while longer spans require mid-point supports known as piers. Over time heavier and faster trains required more durable materials including cut stone and poured concrete, many of which can still be found in use today! This section includes a wide range of authentic styles perfect for completing any new Cornerstone bridge, that can be adapted to other manufacturer’s models as well.